Tampa Police Looking for Hit and Run Driver

Tampa, Florida - Tampa police are asking for help to find a hit and run driver who left two teenagers in the hospital with critical injuries.

Meanwhile, family members and friends are hoping and praying for their recovery. They also want the person responsible to step forward.

Authorities said 19-year-old Loedanis "Leo" Curbelo-Izquierdo was driving his Jeep down the 3200 block of West Hillsborough Avenue at about 5 a.m. Friday, when he was hit from behind by a pickup truck.

According to authorities, Leo lost control and slammed into a building. The driver of the pickup truck did not stop. Both he and his girlfriend, 18-year-old Zaraida Yuda, were taken to St. Joseph's Hospital with critical injuries.

Leo's grandmother said she can't believe what happened and wants the driver to step forward.

"To turn himself in and to man up about what happened," said Nurea Fonseca, through a translator.

One of Leo's friends, Robert Ramos, said he visited him at the hospital and was shocked at what he saw. He said Leo is suffering from broken ribs, as well as lung and brain injuries.

According to police, the truck has a black bug deflector that was broken in the crash, and may also have cracks on the right front headlight. There may be blue transfer paint on the truck from the Jeep.

Anyone who may have witnessed the crash or knows the identity of the driver is asked to call Tampa Police at 231-6130 or Crime Stoppers to be eligible for a $1,000 reward.